1830: RAILWAYS AND ROBBER BARONS

It would be impossible to create this list without one 18XX game in it. Here we have the classic formula of buying shares in train companies as they make routes across a hexagonal grid. The hexes add a certain tile laying puzzle alongside the crunchiness of engine building (no pun intended) and choices about dividends payments. Not only are you building the lines, you’re also trying to run the company – and blocking your opponents by strategically placing station tokens. A vicious game on the rails, if you want it to be.